Self-preservation isn't a term James Taylor appears familiar with after the pint-sized England batsman claimed yet another spectacular catch at short leg against South Africa.

After a pair for the highlights reel in Johannesburg, Taylor was at it again in the first session on day one of the fourth Test at Centurion, with opener Dean Elgar this time the victim.

Elgar was looking to capitalise on a strong first 10 overs with debutant fellow opener Stephen Cook when he took a big stride forward against spinner Moeen Ali and looked to go large in the air through mid-wicket.

James Taylor celebrates wildly after taking yet another incredible catch for England against South Africa

Proteas opener Dean Elgar attacks the bowling of Moeen Ali but only manages a thick inside edge at Taylor

Taylor doesn't flinch and after the ball rebounds off his thigh and onto his hand before he caught it with his legs

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But the left-hander managed only a thick inside edge before the Taylor show kicked into gear - rather than turning his back, as is understandable when a batsman winds up, Taylor stood firm with the ball brushing his inner thigh and protector before his outstretched right hand bought the ball back towards his body.

His work wasn't done yet, as Taylor squeezed the ball between his legs before retrieving it with a hand behind his back as if he was laying an egg.

The official record of the event - Elgar (20) Caught: Taylor, Bowled Moeen - will never do it justice. It was also the sole moment of joy for England on the first morning of this final Test as the Proteas worked their way to 107 for one at lunch with Cook four runs short of his 50 and Hashim Amla, having given up the captaincy to AB de Villiers, not out on 34.

Looking like he's laying an egg, Taylor reaches behind his back to complete the elaborate catch

Elgar takes a big stride forward to attack Moeen but miscues with a thick inside edge square of the wicket

Unlucky Elgar finds unflappable Taylor at short leg and the fielder claims another spectacular grab

Taylor's latest heroics are true to his word with the Nottinghamshire 26-year-old eager to add value to the England side beyond his batting in a bid to cement his place in the side.

Far from wanting a reprieve from the position usually lumped on a junior member of the side, Taylor wants to stay in the helmet and shin-guards for some time to come.

‘I’d love to be the best short leg in the game,’ said Taylor. ‘It’s not the best fielding position because you’re likely to cop it there but I really enjoy it.’

‘I’ve fielded there quite a bit in my career because I’m usually the shortest man on the field and they stick me in there. I work on it and I enjoy it and I’ve always dreamed of taking catches like that.’

Taylor is eager to become the best in world in the position usually considered a burden and for junior players

James Taylor is making short leg his own for England with a series of spectacular catches in South Africa

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James Taylor snares another South African victim with stunning catch at short leg on day one at Centurion